Cyst from STD: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do

You might be here because you have developed a cyst on your genital area and might fear that it could be an STD-related cyst. Take a deep breath – there’s no need to worry. The situation can be worked through calmly, and you can take the right steps to address it.

In this article, we’ll unravel the ins and outs of a cyst from STDs, how they develop, and the best ways to protect your sexual health. Let’s go right into the facts.

What Exactly Is a Cyst from STDs?

A cyst is a closed, sac-like pocket of tissue that can form anywhere on your body. While cysts can come up for many reasons like blocked glands, trauma to the skin, or underlying medical conditions, some cysts are linked to sexually transmitted diseases. A cyst from STDs isn’t just any bump- it’s a kind of lesion that forms when an STD-related infection causes a blockage, inflammation, or an abnormal buildup of fluids in tissues around the genital area. Not every cyst is due to an STD. If you notice any unusual mass, it’s better to consult a doctor and figure out whether it’s an STD-related cyst or some other type of lumps like a pimple, ingrown hair, or even a non-sexually related cyst.

How Does a Cyst from an STD Develop?

A cyst from STDs often develops when an infection occurs in or around a gland or hair follicle in the genital region. For instance, if you contract an STD like gonorrhea or chlamydia, the bacteria can travel up into a duct or gland (like the Bartholin’s glands in females) and cause an obstruction or an abscess (a pocket of pus). Over time, the duct may swell and form a cyst.

Researchers noted that bacterial infections which cause abscesses can lead to cyst formation if not properly treated. [1] The infection can block natural drainage pathways, and your body’s immune response can wall off the infected area, giving a fluid-filled sac.

For men, cysts on the penis can come up around hair follicles (sebaceous cysts) or within sweat glands. If an STD-causing pathogen (such as herpes simplex virus or human papillomavirus) irritates the skin, small bumps or lumps might show up that resemble cysts. But don’t worry, these have distinct characteristics that a trained sexual health professional can find out.

Common Types of Cysts from STD

When it comes to STD-related lumps, here are a few you might come across:

Bartholin’s Gland Cyst

• Found in women near the vaginal opening.
• May be linked to gonorrhea or chlamydia.
• Can turn into an abscess if infected.
• Affects about 2% of women at some point in their lives [2]

Sebaceous Cyst

• Can appear in both men and women.
• Often results from clogged hair follicles or blocked oil glands.
• Infection by STD pathogens can aggravate these cysts.

Epidermoid Cyst

• Similar to sebaceous cysts but formed from epidermal tissue.
• Can appear on the penis, scrotum, or around the vulva.

Herpetic Lesions (not true cysts, but can sometimes be confused with them)

• Caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).
• These are typically painful fluid-filled blisters rather than cysts, but they can be mistaken for cysts if they cluster or recur in the same spot.

It’s always better to know the type of cyst. A Bartholin’s abscess can look like a swollen lump, but it’s actually an inflamed cyst that has become infected. Correct identification means you’ll get the right treatment. [3]

Typical Symptoms of a Cyst from STDs

If you suspect you have a cyst from STDs, you might notice some or all of the following symptoms:

• A Noticeable Lump or Bump:
  You may feel a small, firm and fluid-filled lump in your genital area. This lump might be tender and feel spongy, mainly if it’s due to an infection.
• Pain or Discomfort:
  You might get mild tenderness to strong pain while walking, sitting, or during sexual activity.
• Redness and Swelling:
  Inflammation in the affected area is quite common, which causes redness.
• Discharge or Unusual Odor:
  If the cyst becomes abscessed, there may be foul-smelling discharge.
• Fever and Malaise:
  When the infection starts to spread, your body’s reaction to the infection could cause a fever. This is just a systemic symptom.

Many cysts are painless unless they become infected. [4] It’s easy to ignore a small, painless lump, but you should still keep an eye on it, mainly if you’re sexually active.

How is a Cyst from an STD Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a cyst from STDs is done through a physical exam and some laboratory tests (if needed). When you visit your doctor, they will ask about your symptoms and do a thorough examination of the affected area. Here’s what you can expect:

• Physical Examination:
  Your doctor will carefully look into the cyst to determine its size, location, and any signs of infection. They mostly look for classic signs like redness, tenderness, and discharge.
• STD Screening: A swab, blood test, or urine test may be needed to check for bacteria or viruses in case of gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, or HIV.
• Lab Tests on Fluid Samples: If the cyst has any discharge, a sample is sent to a lab to find out the infectious agent. Tests might include swabs for bacterial culture, PCR tests for viral infections, and other diagnostic measures to rule out or confirm the presence of an STD.
• Imaging (Ultrasound or MRI): Less common, but may be used if your doctor suspects a more complicated cyst or wants to rule out other growths. Ultrasound may be used to get a better picture.

Early diagnosis is very important. If it turns out that you do have a cyst from STDs, knowing which infection is responsible for it helps your doctor to prescribe the right medication. If the lump is not due to an STD, you can at least rule out an infection and find other causes and treatments.

Causes of a Cyst from STDs

Why do some STDs cause cysts while others do not? Here many factors can be the cause:

• Bacterial Infections (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia): These bacteria can block glands, mainly in women, which cause Bartholin’s gland cysts.
• Viral Infections (Herpes, HPV): While these viruses may not cause true cysts, they can cause lesions or growths that might be mistaken for cysts.
• Sexual Activity-Related Trauma: Micro-tears or friction during sex could predispose you to infection.
• Mixed Infections: In many cases, a cyst from STDs might be due to more than one infectious agent. This mixed infection can complicate the clinical picture and might give a more severe or persistent cyst.

Bartholin’s cyst by itself isn’t always an STD. [5] However, infections like gonorrhea can dramatically increase the likelihood of abscess formation in that gland. The chances of getting a cyst from an STD increase if the infection is left untreated or if you have a compromised immune system. I would recommend regular STD screening if you are sexually active, to catch such infections early on and avoid unnecessary complications.

Treatment Options for a Cyst from STDs

If you suspect or have confirmed that you have a cyst from an STD, don’t worry, there are some effective treatments for it:

1. Antibiotics or Antivirals:
   • If a bacterial STD is detected (gonorrhea, chlamydia), antibiotics can clear the infection.
   • For herpes or HPV lesions, antiviral medications or other targeted therapies are prescribed to help manage outbreaks.
2. Incision and Drainage:
   • For larger or painful cysts, your healthcare provider might recommend a minor surgical procedure to drain out the fluid or pus from the cysts. This will relieve pain and also reduce the risk of further infection.
3. Warm Compresses and Sitz Baths:
   • Recommended to ease discomfort. [6]
   • Warm water can increase blood flow to the area and help the cyst drain naturally.
4. Pain Management: There are over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen that can ease the pain.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments:
   • Try to wear loose-fitting underwear or clothes to reduce friction.
   • Maintain good hygiene to prevent further irritation.
6. Follow-up Care:
   • Fix follow-up appointments to make sure that the cyst is resolving properly. Sometimes, additional treatment may be needed if the infection persists.

The right treatment depends on the type of cyst, the responsible STD, and the severity of symptoms. Always consult with a sexual health professional to get the most effective treatments.

How Can You Prevent Cysts from STDs?

Prevention is always better than cure, and the best way to avoid a cyst from STDs is to reduce your risk of infection in the first place. Here are some strategies:

• Practice Safer Sex: Use condoms or dental dams to minimize exposure to bacterial or viral infections. Consistent condom use can reduce your risk of many STDs by up to 90% if you use it correctly. However, condoms are less effective in preventing genital herpes and HPV. [7]
• Regular Screening: Routine testing helps catch infections early before they cause complications like cyst formation. I would recommend yearly screenings for sexually active individuals under 25 or those with multiple partners.
• Mutual Monogamy: Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner reduces your risk dramatically.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are available for certain STIs (such as HPV) that may indirectly reduce the risk of complications and cyst formation.
• Have Open Communication With Partner(s): Talk to your partner(s) about sexual health and testing. This way, you can protect yourself from an STD that could cause a cyst.
• Proper Hygiene: Wash gently and keep the genital area dry. Hard scrubbing or harsh chemicals can irritate the skin. Try to wear loose-fitting underwear and change out of sweaty clothes from time to time.

When to Seek Medical Advice for a Cyst from STDs

You should consult a sexual health professional if:

• The cyst is growing quickly or causes pain.
• You notice redness, swelling, or warmth around the cyst, suggesting infection or abscess.
• You have a fever or chills, which could mean that the infection is spreading.
• The cyst persists or recurs, even after initial home treatment.
• If the cyst is interfering with your daily life or causing problems during sex.

If you delay treatment, it can cause complications. So, it’s better to have a doctor evaluate the situation promptly.

Complications from Untreated STD-Related Cysts

Here’s what might happen if you delay treatment:

• What just started as a localized cyst can turn into an abscess if the infection worsens. An abscess is not only painful but can also cause systemic symptoms like fever and malaise.
• Prolonged inflammation may cause scarring or tissue damage, which might affect sexual function or fertility in severe cases.
• An untreated STD could spread to other organs, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women or epididymitis in men.
• Untreated infections increase the risk of recurring episodes. Recurrent cysts from STD may need more aggressive management.
• Beyond the physical symptoms, living with an untreated cyst from an STD can make you anxious and stressed about your health and sexual relationships.

Early treatment and consistent follow-up care will prevent you from these complications.

Expert Advice on How to Manage a Cyst from STDs Effectively

As a sexual health doctor, I encourage you to be proactive about your health. Here’s what I advise if you suspect you have a cyst from an STD:

• Don’t delay if you experience any symptoms, consult a sex expert immediately. 
• Don’t pop a cyst yourself as it can invite more infection and cause scarring. A trained professional should evaluate it first and, if needed, drain it.
• If prescribed, always finish the full course. Stopping antibiotics too soon can cause a resurgence of infection.
• Be honest with your doctor about your sexual history and symptoms. This way you will get a more accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan.
• Schedule a follow-up with your doctor to ensure the cyst is healing properly and the STD is fully treated.
• Regular testing for STDs can prevent future surprises.
• The more you know about STDs and their complications, the better you can care for yourself. 
• Coping with an STD or its complications can be stressful. Get into counselling or join support groups if you feel overwhelmed.

These strategies are based on a combination of clinical research and years of experience treating patients with STDs. Take control of your sexual health. It’ll not only benefit you but also help protect your partners.